Axios House: America's optimism endures amid global tensions
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Axios' Courtenay Brown and Sen. Bill Hagerty in conversation at Axios House D.C. Photo: Kris Tripplaar for Axios
WASHINGTON – America's next chapter hinges on how it navigates global conflict while sustaining confidence at home, speakers said at Axios House D.C.
Why it matters: As the nation commemorates 250 years of independence, questions about U.S. leadership abroad, public optimism and economic growth are becoming increasingly intertwined.
Axios' Mike Allen, Nathan Bomey, Hans Nichols and Courtenay Brown hosted conversations with Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Gallup global managing partner Joe Daly, Washington Commanders president Mark Clouse and Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.). The July 15 event was sponsored by Bank of America.
What they're saying: The Iran conflict won't be a "forever war," Hagerty said.
- "The Iranian regime is in shambles right now," he said.
Yes, but: Dean said she believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convinced President Trump "to go to this reckless war of choice in Iran."
- She also said she does not trust Netanyahu and thinks he's "lied to our faces" about targeting strategies and casualties in the Gaza war.
Despite global tensions, the "American spirit is alive," Daly said, referring to recent findings from the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream-Gallup American Dream Study.
- "The vast majority [78%] of Americans think that they themselves will achieve the American dream, and they think that it is a worthy thing to strive for," Daly said.
By the numbers: One industry that's experiencing huge economic growth is sports. NFL team valuations have been skyrocketing, with the Seattle Seahawks reportedly being acquired for $9.6 billion.
Zoom in: Clouse said soaring NFL team valuations are sustainable, pointing to the audience demand – 23 of the 25 most-watched telecast programs in 2025 were NFL games.
Content from the sponsor's segment:
In a sponsored conversation, Bank of America chair and CEO Brian Moynihan said consumer spending increased roughly 6% in the second quarter compared to last year, leading him to predict that the economy will grow by at least 2% this year.
- "Affordability is a real issue," he said. However, he added, "what people are doing is still spending money, and that's good for the U.S. economy in the broadest context."
Go deeper: Watch the full event.
